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Public, 2-year

Great Bay Community College

Portsmouth, New Hampshire · www.greatbay.edu

中文

Out-of-state tuition

$15,450

In-state $7,200

Peer median $8,816

Undergraduates

1,462

Student-faculty ratio 12:1

Peer median 18 : 1

Graduation rate

29.6%

Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 36.2%

Peer median 33.7%

“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

Great Bay Community College (GBCC) is a distinguished institution located in New Hampshire, USA, known for its commitment to providing quality education and fostering a supportive learning environment. The college offers a diverse range of programs, including associate degrees, certificate programs, and workforce training, catering to the needs of both traditional and non-traditional students. The college emphasizes hands-on learning and real-world applications, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their future careers or further studies. With a focus on student success, GBCC provides various resources such as academic advising, tutoring services, and career counseling to support students throughout their academic journey.

The campus culture at Great Bay Community College is vibrant and inclusive, promoting a sense of community among students, faculty, and staff. The college encourages student engagement through numerous extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations, allowing students to develop leadership skills and form lasting friendships. Additionally, GBCC boasts modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, and recreational spaces, which enhance the learning experience. The college’s dedication to fostering a collaborative and innovative educational environment has made it a valuable asset in the region, contributing to the local workforce and economy while empowering students to achieve their personal and professional goals.

Analysis of Tuition, Graduation Rates, and Retention at Great Bay Community College

Great Bay Community College, a public institution, has shown notable trends in its tuition fees, graduation rates, and student retention over recent years. From 2014 to 2024, the in-state undergraduate tuition increased from $7,008 to $7,200, reflecting a modest growth amid rising costs in higher education. However, out-of-state tuition saw a more significant increase, rising from $15,584 in 2014 to $15,450 in 2023, indicating a more stable pricing strategy for non-resident students.

Graduation rates have demonstrated a positive trend in recent years. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduate students rose from approximately 4.2% in 2013 to 15.2% in 2023, while the 150% graduation rate increased from 13.9% to 28.4% during the same period. This substantial improvement suggests that the college has made efforts in enhancing the academic support systems and resources available to students, which is crucial for student success.

Retention rates, which reflect the percentage of students who continue their studies at the institution, have also experienced fluctuations. The retention rate peaked at 66.8% in 2016 but dropped to 51.0% in 2021 before recovering to 57.2% in 2023. Such variability may highlight the challenges faced by the college during the pandemic, as many students struggled with remote learning and financial uncertainties.

Moreover, the male-to-female ratio among undergraduate students showed a slight increase in male enrollment from 39% in 2014 to roughly 40% in 2023. This change indicates a gradual shift toward a more balanced gender representation, although female students still comprise the majority.

In conclusion, while Great Bay Community College has faced challenges, particularly in student retention, the improvements in graduation rates and the stable tuition pricing strategy suggest a commitment to fostering a supportive educational environment. These factors are essential for attracting and retaining students in an increasingly competitive higher education landscape.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Suburb of a small city
Nearest major city
Portland, ME, about 50 mi
Nearest international airport
Portland International Jetport (PWM), about 45 mi
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Also known as
Great Bay Community College
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Dr. Cheryl Lesser (President)
Phone
6034277600
City
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Address
320 Corporate Drive, Portsmouth, NH 03801-2879

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Associate2350 international (0.0%)
Top 10 Associate majors by graduates
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
45
Business Administration and Management, General
42
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies
18
Veterinary/Animal Health Technology/Technician and Veterinary Assistant
14
Psychology, General
14
Computer and Information Sciences, General
12
Surgical Technology/Technologist
11
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration
10
Education, General
10
Early Childhood Education and Teaching
6

U.S. studentsInternational

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data at Great Bay Community College

The graduation data from Great Bay Community College reveals a significant focus on associate degrees, particularly in vocational fields. For instance, the highest number of graduates was in Registered Nursing, with 37 individuals obtaining their associate degrees. This aligns with the increasing demand for healthcare professionals, especially in light of the ongoing global health challenges.

Interestingly, the data indicates a complete absence of international students graduating in any bachelor's, master's, or doctorate programs. This may reflect the college's current enrollment policies or external factors such as visa regulations, which could be impacting international student recruitment. In contrast, it is noteworthy that there were no graduates in the bachelor or higher degree categories across all disciplines, suggesting either a lack of such programs or a potential gap in the academic pathways offered by the college.

Moreover, vocational programs such as Veterinary/Animal Health Technology and Hospitality Management are represented, albeit with modest graduation numbers. The absence of international graduates in these fields may also suggest a missed opportunity for the college to attract a diverse student body, particularly in sectors that benefit significantly from global perspectives.

Overall, while the college excels in producing skilled graduates equipped for immediate employment in various industries, the lack of higher degree completions raises questions about the institution's capacity to cater to advanced academic pursuits and its appeal to international students. This could prompt a reevaluation of program offerings and recruitment strategies to better align with labor market needs and diversify the student community.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Health professionshas 56 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Surgical Technology/Technologist.-
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.$76,248
Businesshas 48 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Business Administration and Management, General.$35,726
Accounting.-
Hotel, Motel, and Restaurant Management.-
Computer and information sciencehas 23 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Computer and Information Sciences, General.-
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications.-
Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance.-
Liberal arts has 22 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.$45,112
General Studies.$45,112
Educationhas 16 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Education, General.-
Early Childhood Education and Teaching.-
Agricultural has 14 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Veterinary/Animal Health Technology/Technician and Veterinary Assistant.$40,432
Psychology has 14 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Psychology, General.-
Homeland security has 11 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration.-
Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other.-
Visual and Performing artshas 7 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Design and Visual Communications, General.-
Fine/Studio Arts, General.-
English has 6 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
English Language and Literature, General.-
Engineeringhas 5 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Engineering, General.-
Biologyhas 5 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.-
Science technologies has 4 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Biology/Biotechnology Technology/Technician.-
Natural resources has 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Environmental Science.-
History has 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
History, General.-

Students

1,462 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 40:60 · Freshman retention 66.0%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (1,462)

White
1,069 · 73.1%
Hispanic
126 · 8.6%
Unknown
106 · 7.3%
Asian
64 · 4.4%
Two or more races
48 · 3.3%
Black
40 · 2.7%

Data insights

Demographic Insights at Great Bay Community College in 2023

In 2023, Great Bay Community College presents a diverse student body, comprising various classifications such as first-year undergraduate students, continuing undergraduate students, transfer undergraduate students, and graduate students. The total number of first-year students stands at 298, with a gender distribution that leans slightly towards males at 52.3%, compared to 47.7% females. This balance reflects a growing trend in higher education where first-year programs are becoming increasingly inclusive.

Continuing undergraduate students, numbering 800, show a significant gender disparity, with only 36% being male and a striking 64% female. This trend may indicate a shift in educational engagement among women, who are increasingly pursuing higher education, aligning with national patterns reported in various studies. The transfer students also reflect a similar gender trend with 36.1% males and 63.9% females.

The overall student demographic is further enriched by the presence of diverse ethnic backgrounds, particularly among the first-year students, where the majority identified as white, followed by other racial groups. This diversity is crucial as it enhances the academic environment, fostering a broader understanding and appreciation of different cultures.

In summary, Great Bay Community College's student composition in 2023 showcases a significant female representation, particularly in the undergraduate categories, indicating a positive trend towards gender inclusivity in higher education. The college's commitment to diversity and inclusion can be seen as a step towards preparing students for a multicultural workforce in a rapidly changing society.

Analysis of Student Age Demographics at Great Bay Community College

The age distribution of students at Great Bay Community College in 2023 reveals interesting trends that reflect broader societal patterns in education. The largest age group is comprised of students aged 18-19, with 190 male undergraduates and 234 female undergraduates, showcasing a strong interest in higher education among recent high school graduates. This trend is matched by the next category, 20-21 years old, where the numbers remain significant, suggesting that traditional college-aged students are still a dominant presence.

However, as we examine older age brackets, such as 25-29 and 30-34, there is a noticeable decline in male undergraduates, with 67 and 40 respectively, while female undergraduates in the same categories remain higher, indicating a potential shift towards female engagement in continuing education. This could be reflective of the growing emphasis on lifelong learning and the need for upskilling in today’s job market, particularly as industries evolve rapidly.

Interestingly, the presence of students over 40 is limited, with only 19 males and 56 females in the 40-49 age bracket, suggesting that community colleges may be appealing more to younger adults. The smallest group is the elderly, with only 2 male students over 65, which raises questions about accessibility and motivation for older generations to engage in further education.

Overall, these statistics indicate that Great Bay Community College attracts a predominantly younger demographic, especially among traditional students, while also highlighting the increasing role of women in pursuing higher education. This reflects a broader trend in society where more women are seeking educational opportunities, paving the way for future generations.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Undergraduates0.0%

0 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.0%2017: 0.1%2018: 0.1%2019: 0.0%2020: 0.0%2021: 0.0%2022: 0.0%2023: 0.0%2024: 0.0%2025: 0.0%
2016Peer median 0.6%2025

Data insights

Analysis of International Student Enrollment at Great Bay Community College

The data on international student enrollment at Great Bay Community College reveals a modest but increasing trend in the number of international undergraduate students over the years reported. In 2010, the college had a total of 1,850 undergraduate students, with only one international student, representing a mere 0.05% of the undergraduate population. This percentage increased slightly to 0.10% by 2017, as the number of international students rose to two out of 1,971 total undergraduates. However, the figures dipped again in 2018, with only one international student enrolled among 1,846 undergraduates, bringing the percentage back down to 0.05%.

While the absolute numbers of international students remain low, they reflect broader trends in higher education, where institutions are increasingly seeking to diversify their student bodies. The fluctuating figures could be influenced by various factors, including changing immigration policies, economic conditions, or the global pandemic's impact on international travel and education.

Moreover, the absence of data regarding graduate students in these years highlights a potential area for growth and further investigation. Many colleges and universities in the U.S. have reported an uptick in international graduate enrollment, driven by strong demand for advanced degrees. Great Bay Community College may benefit from enhancing its offerings and support for international students, which could foster a more inclusive environment and attract a larger international cohort in the future.

In conclusion, while the current enrollment of international students at Great Bay Community College is relatively low, strategic efforts to expand outreach and support could lead to more significant growth in the coming years, aligning with national trends in higher education.

Cost

2025 cost per year (out-of-state)

$34,388

Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
$15,450
Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
$7,200
Room and board
$18,938
Out-of-state tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Tuition rose 1% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 47%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$22.6M

Government grants and contracts
$11.8M52.2%
Tuition and fees
$8.4M37.2%
Investment return
$1.4M6.1%
Gifts and private grants
$88K0.4%
Auxiliary enterprises
$75K0.3%
Other
$871K3.8%

Expenses$20.3M

Institutional support
$8.4M41.4%
Instruction
$6.5M32.2%
Scholarships
$2.3M11.2%
Student services
$1.6M7.8%
Academic support
$980K4.8%
Auxiliary enterprises
$82K0.4%
Public service
$28K0.1%
Research
$27K0.1%
Other
$396K1.9%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

All faculty
$69,601peers $68,588
Professor
$70,599peers $79,972
Associate professor
$63,746peers $69,677
Assistant professor
$60,233peers $62,785

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NSCAA
2025
USCAAMENWOMEN
Basketball168
Baseball12-
Volleyball-10
Golf6-
Track and Field (Outdoor)21
2024
USCAAMENWOMEN
Basketball1611
Golf8-
Volleyball-8
Track and Field (Outdoor)21
2023
USCAAMENWOMEN
Basketball1512
Baseball15-
Volleyball-8
Golf6-
Track and Field (Outdoor)13
Track and Field (Indoor)-1

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable schools near Great Bay Community College:

  1. Harvard University - Ranked 3rd in the 2024 US News rankings, Harvard is one of the most prestigious universities globally, known for its rigorous academic programs and distinguished faculty. Learn more about Harvard University.

  2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) - With a rank of 2, MIT is renowned for its cutting-edge research and innovation in science, engineering, and technology. Learn more about MIT.

  3. Tufts University - Ranked 40th, Tufts is known for its strong liberal arts curriculum and diverse academic programs. Learn more about Tufts University.

  4. Boston University - With a rank of 43, Boston University offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing research and global engagement. Learn more about Boston University.

  5. Wellesley College - This prestigious women's college ranks 4th and is known for its rigorous academic programs and empowering environment for women. Learn more about Wellesley College.

These institutions provide diverse opportunities for education and research, making the area around Great Bay Community College an excellent choice for students seeking higher education.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Fondling
1

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Crime Rates at Great Bay Community College: A Decade of Safety

The crime statistics from Great Bay Community College reveal a commendable trend in campus safety over the last decade. Notably, from 2013 to 2022, the data indicates a remarkable absence of serious criminal incidents, with the only recorded offense occurring in 2018, which resulted in a minor crime rate of 0.65 per 1,000 students.

This minimal crime rate suggests that Great Bay Community College has maintained a secure environment for its students, which is particularly crucial in today's world where safety concerns in educational institutions are increasingly highlighted. The one recorded offense in 2018 could represent an isolated incident rather than a systemic issue, further underscoring the institution's overall commitment to safety.

In contrast, many institutions face ongoing challenges with various types of crimes, including drug-related offenses, alcohol abuse, and violent crimes. The absence of such incidents at Great Bay Community College could be attributed to effective safety measures and community engagement strategies, fostering a culture of vigilance and support among students.

As educational institutions continue to prioritize campus safety, Great Bay Community College serves as a model for how proactive measures can lead to significantly low crime rates. This commendable record not only enhances the college's reputation but also contributes to a positive learning environment for all its students. For further insights on crime rate calculations, you can refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation.

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.